1) What is it?
2) Who's behind it?
3) What prompted it?
4) How does it work?
5) How can others help?
6) Publicity.
7) Internet web page linking.
8) What about money?
9) Where is more information available?
1) What is it?
The nationwide Bible drive is the culmination of the dreams of a number of people desiring to see a way to put to good use the vast surplus of used Bibles throughout the USA. A way was developed so everyone could participate. A number of organizations networking together was developed to collect Bibles, even parts of old Bibles, year round. This provides the basis for promoting the annual drive. Everyone is encouraged to get involved and spread the word.
2) Who's behind it?
BIBLE FOUNDATION developed and promotes the program. The independent nonprofit corporation was started in 1987 and has been involved with many facets of Bible ministry since. Networking is a way of life with the ministry. Bible Foundation has provided Scripture free to many people around the world for personal and ministry use and has encouraged many people to collect and redistribute used Bibles.
3) What prompted it?
As a result of millions of Bible portions, (printed on 3 x 5 inch slips of paper), being published and freely distributed around the world, many requests for English Bibles started being received. In 1992 BIBLE FOUNDATION launched its first annual Bible drive in the Pacific Northwest. It was very successful and received broad based support, including newspapers, publciations, and radio stations. Collection centers around the United States were sought out. They needed to be willing to accept Bibles, even damaged and parts of old Bibles. Willing organizations were located in several states. Publicity around the country started developing and folks were referred to the closest collection center. It became apparent that people wanted to get Bibles recycled and back in use. The number of collection centers expanded to include AL, AR, AZ, CA, FL, GA, IL, KS, KY, MD, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NE, NY, OK, OR, PA, TX, VA, WA, WI, and Canada. National publicity grew and tons and tons of Scripture continues to move to hungry hearts around the world.
4) How does it work?
The Bible drive concept is very simple. With collection centers established around the USA, folks can locate them and network with friends and other groups to find a way to collect, store, and then transport Bibles to the centers. Once those details are worked out, word can be spread about the project. This can involve broad community support or just one's individual effort, whatever is appropriate. BIBLE FOUNDATION provides much material that can assist. Projects can start small on a temporary basis.
This allows for individuals, groups, organizations, churches and ministries to organize Bible drives and gives them an outlet for the surplus.
As projects get established and stabilize, they can start to anchor broader efforts. An established on going effort takes dedication but allows for year round collecting with annual area wide drives. For this to work it would be good to establish some key collection points in the area and do an annual mailing to key people, organizations, churches, and media. Once people find a way for used Bibles to be distributed to needy people, they take joy in seeing more collected.
5) How can others help?
Groups that can muster the resources can establish area wide Bible drives.
There are two things necessary for the drive to work. One is having master collection centers to receive the surplus, including damaged Bibles. Hopefully close enough to make transportation not a problem. The other is publicity. The number of centers needs to continue to grow. People interested in research could use the Internet to try to find organizations willing to accept used Bibles, including pieces of old Bibles. Ministries that ship containers overseas are likely prospects.
Talents can be used to create ideas and publicity materials to inspire others and provide materials that could be adapted for others to use to encourage folks to start their own personal Bible ministries. Such materials can be donated to BIBLE FOUNDATION with rights to use, modify, and adapt.
Sunday school classes, youth groups, seniors groups, anyone looking for an activity can collect Bibles and send them to a collection center. They can also put on programs showing the need and raising awareness levels.
Sample email messages are made available for sending to family and friends. Those that can influence the media are encouraged to do so.
6) Publicity.
Publishers, broadcasters, columnists, all are encouraged to publicize the Bible ministry as much as possible. Materials are made available for adapting. Everyone is encouraged to help get out the message: "For USA Bible drive information see http://www.bf.org/bibledrive ."
7) Internet web page linking.
Folks can promote and link to:
http://www.bf.org/bibledrive
for USA Bible Drive information
http://www.bf.org for Bible
Foundation's home page
Also an occasional newsletter is available by sending an email to getnews@bf.org
8) What about money?
Emphasis is on personal involvement. Tax deductible
contributions may be sent to BIBLE FOUNDATION
PO Box 908 Newberg, Oregon 97132 and are appreciated.
9) Where is more information available?
Bible drive materials are available from http://www.bf.org/bibledrive .